Of all of Anakin's struggles to clean up and return to the light side, dealing with the absence of his family was the worst. The nausea and dizziness associated with his withdrawal from the dark side he had long since grown used to as with the pulsating headaches that never seemed to quite go away, despite his brother's ever patient assistance. Though it shamed him, the constant need, and hunger even, to feel the darkness coursing through his veins was something Anakin could face and handle. The loneliness on the other hand was another matter entirely and during the dark hours of night when rest should readily come the former Sith Lord found temptation of another sort to be almost overwhelming.

He missed his wife and their children desperately despite knowing that he was still in no condition to see them again. For nights on end the young emperor would close his eyes fold an arm around his chest, while the other fiddled with the ends of his hair –a desperate attempt to imagine Dormé was near. But even his imagination did little to help ease the truth and in the end the young emperor would almost always find himself roaming the halls of their virtually empty palace. Anything to keep his mind pre-occupied and distracted from the situation he had brought upon himself.

The sound of his footsteps echoing from the halls brought little comfort to the fallen Jedi's thoughts as it served to remind him of how empty the palace felt without his family near. He missed the sound of children's laughter –whether it was their own, or the Jedi younglings that Dormé had cared for in the early years of their reign. A sad smile crept into his features at this memory as Anakin could still remember how happy Dormé was when she was surrounded by children. But it soon faded as he was reminded of how so many young lives fell to his blade because he had been too consumed by his bloodlust to register that they were innocent.

Closing his eyes, he leant against a nearby pillar as he fought to control his emotions to keep from breaking down right there and then. Anakin was so tired of being weak, of being consumed by self disgust and loathing, of being reminded that suicide was nothing more than a reward he surely did not deserve. But at the same time the emperor was at a loss as to what he could possibly do to make amends. How did one make beg forgiveness from the dead? How could one undo the damage to those who were still alive? Was it even possible? And if it was would anyone believe him or even want to believe him?

The questions flooded his mind and with it came the all too familiar sensation of despair and sorrow. The more he tried to find the answers to them the more personal they became until Anakin found himself wondering if there was any chance he'd ever be able to see Dormé again, nevermind their children. Even worse was the horrifying realization that even if he did would she ever be able to trust him after all the promises made and foolishly broken. He once swore to himself that he would prove to Dormé that he wasn't like all the others from her past who used and abused her heart. But in the end all he did prove was that he was no different from anyone else.

Anakin didn't register the shamed tears the spilled down his cheeks as he swiftly departed for the grand swimming halls that decorated the palace center. Though the young emperor hated the idea of swimming –for large bodies of water terrified the Tatooine native—in recent days he'd often retire there after his long walks throughout the hallways. Though he'd often tell himself that it was because being there left him feeling that Dormé's presence was near in truth there was a part of him that desperately hoped one day she actually would be there. However on this particular night the last thing Anakin wanted was to see her when he was like this, falling apart and pacing about like a caged monster.

Unfortunately for him it was on this particular night his secret wish from nights before had finally been granted. Upon silently entering the great swimming hall the young emperor caught sight of his empress languidly swimming in one of the vast pools and felt his heart leap to his throat. Frozen in position like an intruder almost caught Anakin didn't dare move as he studied her from a distance before quickly wiping away the tears he only then felt.

Though it wasn't something Dormé ever openly admitted Anakin always had a feeling that this place was a bit of a sanctuary for her. In truth, he had the impression that any and all bodies of water were in essence her domain. At one time Anakin used to visit her here if not for anything than to tease his beloved for spending so much time here. Often he'd joke, swearing on the Force, that he had fallen in love not with a mortal, but with the elemental goddess of water. He'd further tease saying that the only reason she even found him worthy to stand by her side was because his fear of water was too amusing to her.

Now Anakin was left feeling as though he were but a creature, a denizen from the nether places who had barged unwanted and undesired into the sacred places of someone far more pure than himself. It wasn't the first time he felt this way, for there were many times when he'd try to visit Dormé when she was with the younglings only to have them hide behind her skirt from him. Though he kept a good front about it Anakin couldn't deny how small it would make him feel just knowing they were terrified of him and the reasons why.

But despite his desire and need to depart the fallen Jedi couldn't quite make his legs move. With furrowed brow he remained at the entrance to the swimming hall silently watching as Dormé peacefully swam unaware and unknowing that her estranged husband was watching on. Anakin didn't know what was more painful the fact he knew he wasn't welcomed here or the fact that couldn't remember the last time Dormé looked this peaceful while in his presence.

Anakin had no idea just how long he had remained there but he knew he shouldn't remain for long for he could sense that Dormé was growing weary and would soon emerge from the pool. But even then his body wouldn't respond to the silent commands of his mind, for it was as though his heart longed to see her again, and to be seen by her. However, the young emperor knew that he was the last person she'd want to see and in truth he couldn't blame her for it. It seemed like it had been an eternity since she enjoyed being around him. Even longer since he could remember a time when Dormé wasn't trying to subtly protect their children from him. The thought was a despairing one and it left Anakin wondering –albeit briefly why he even bothered to face his demons anymore. But as he finally prepared to silently depart Anakin realized that he already knew the answers.

It was for all the little things he missed so terribly and even more so for the big things he longed for. It was so he could go to Laic's room at night to tuck him in and know that his son wasn't pretending to be asleep to avoid his Daddy. It was so that Runa would one day know that her father was so sorry for draining her of her Force powers. That never again would he let the darkness touch his family because of what he had done to her. So that Dormé would one day Force willing believe in him again.

Before he had a chance to slip away unnoticed the fallen Jedi heard the sound of water splashing and knew that Dormé had departed from the pool. Instincts caused him to freeze once more in position as his cheeks burned feeling as though he had been caught in the act. Shyly he turned to face her fearing the worst and yet hoping for the best nonetheless. But Dormé was towelling herself off and for the moment was distracted. With a heavy heart he silently turned his back to her and depart while attempting to convince himself that it was probably for the best that they didn't talk, at least not yet.

As he stepped back into the hollow hallways, the young emperor couldn't help but be reminded of how much the image before him resembled his life now. Lifeless, empty and filled with paths he had already been through at least once before. Though he desperately wanted to hold onto the hope that things would improve he knew Dormé had every right to completely cut off all ties with him; in truth the young emperor couldn't blame her. Had he been in her position he would have done much the same. But the thought of never being able to see their children again, nevermind Dormé herself was too painful to even allow himself to consider.

As Anakin returned to his temporary quarters, he couldn't help but wonder if things would ever return to how it all used to be. Though he was filled with doubts, there was still a part of him that wanted –needed even—to at least try and undo even a little of the damage he had done to his family. If not for anything then at the very least to ensure their lives would no longer be haunted by fears of the past. Even if he could no longer see them again the young emperor was certain that he would be able to find what peace he could in knowing that they were happy. It was the very least they deserved, and he knew it was in reality the most he could ever hope for. The fallen Jedi clambered into his bed found himself drifting off to sleep. With images of his beloved's peaceful smile filling his thoughts and the sound of their children's laughter echoing in his mind, the fallen Jedi slept peacefully for the first time in what had felt like an eternity.

---

It was late in the evening and Dormé found herself unable to sleep. She rose the bed they had shared for so many years that was now only a reminder of the sanctuary it once was. Donning a thick robe over her nightgown, she checked in on the children who slept soundly. Afterwards, she went to the balcony where she often found Anakin brooding, but on nights like this, it was hardly a comfort to her. Even in familiar places like this, there was little solace to be found, nor anything that would allow her to fall back asleep.

Returning back indoors, she took to roaming the hallways, forgetting she probably ought to have her sword with her as he had back in the days before becoming empress. Her thoughts were consumed with things she would rather not think on, but had little else to distract her.

He would probably be sleeping now, as was everyone else in the palace, save the night guard and the empress. It wouldn't be terrible if she were to stop by his temporary quarters, even if only to hear him breathing. She would not enter. She would not even look upon him... Dormé just wanted to be near him and knowing he was near would be enough to satisfy her longing, at least for tonight.

She approached the doorway, resting her hand on it, without moving the even try to gain access to the chamber. The empress rested her head on it, hoping to hear him inside. How many years had in been since they first met? How much longer would it be until he was well enough to be around their children again? When would she be able to forgive him? She didn't know if they would ever be able to get past this, even if he did heal. Even in the worst of times, however, Dormé needed him.

Nights were always long and sleep an impossibility and a challenge that Anakin struggled to complete with each passing day. But his training was improving and progress was finally being revealed. Even so it did little to help the loneliness that plagued him.

Tonight was such a night and having spent much of his free time loitering about the swimming halls only to wander the empty hallways once more the young emperor returned to his quarters again. Now he found himself once more trying to mimic the presence of his wife who had been absent from his life for weeks and what felt like an eternity. With eyes firmly shut and fingers twisting the ends of his hair Anakin tried to clear his mind of the sorrow that lingered. He knew he was doing the right thing, that if there was any chance for him to undo the damage he had done this was it.

But just as exhaustion was finally taking its toll the fallen Jedi felt a shift in the Force and sensed an all too familiar signature nearing. His heart leapt into his throat as his eyes snapped open to the realization.

She wasn't sure how long she lingered with her head resting against the door, hoping for a sign that he was in there. She heard a rustling within the room and her heart beat faster.

'...Dormé?...' he hoarsely whispered as he felt the signature freeze in position to the entrance of the guest room. Inwardly he found himself hoping desperately that she would enter, ring the chime or even yell at him through the door. Anything to permit him the opportunity to interact with her.

His voice, muffled by the barrier that separated them, faintly called her name. Her breath caught and she closed her eyes, warring against herself, wanting to enter and struggling not to give in. '...Anakin...' she whispered, unable to prevent the longing from filtering into her voice.

Anakin immediately sat up upon hearing her whisper his name—so faint it was almost inaudible. His eyes immediately burned with unshed tears as he felt his chest tighten.

Upon hearing him rise from the bed, the shifting of sheets and his footsteps approaching, Dormé swallowed hard. She wanted to see him so badly, but she knew she oughtn't. At the sound of him being so near, she thought it would be enough. She turned around, facing away from the door, but found herself unable to walk away. A knot caught in her throat.

Moving swiftly from his bed, while struggling to keep from tripping over the sheets, Anakin practically flew to the door where she was located on the other side. Quickly he fumbled to open it feeling as though his fingers were thick and clumsy in his need to catch a glimpse of her.

Dormé heard him nearing, but still found her feet were unable to respond to her request. She couldn't move.

The door parted and before him stood his beloved with her back turned and her emotions pouring off of her in waves. In silence, Anakin could only study her petite form now shrouded in a thick robe as though protecting her from a chill that only they felt. He opened his mouth to speak to beg her to turn around so he could see her once more but the words wouldn't come as they too were caught in his throat.

Silently, he reached out to place a hand to her shoulder but caught himself before his fingers met the cloth of her robe. With furrowed brow and unshed tears threatening to fall he tried once more to force the words past his lips. But of all the things he wanted to tell her, to admit, to apologize and profess only two words managed to escape him.

'...Don't go...' The desperation was evident in his voice as was his shame and had it been anyone else Anakin would have been utterly humiliated by it. But it was Dormé and despite all they had been through the young emperor knew there was no point in hiding or pretending for she knew him better than he knew himself.

Lowering her head, it was all she could do not to break down. She had long to hear his voice, to be near to him, to feel him, to touch him, yet there was so much between them now. How could it ever be the same? Even so, Dormé could not deny she secretly hoped to see him, to speak with him, even if it meant getting hurt again.

The fact that she didn't move away gave him a rush of hope as he drew in a shaky breath. Swallowing hard and ordering himself not to completely fall apart—there would be time for that later when he was alone—Anakin shyly reached out to lightly touch her arm with his right hand.

She could leave now. She could leave without looking back and nothing would change. His hand fell to her arm and she didn't flinch. It was as though she had been expecting it. She exhaled a long breath, but still did not turn around.

'Dormé...may I? Please, could you look at me?' he whispered desperately wanting in truth to draw her into a tight embrace or more exactly drop to his knees and beg forgiveness. But rules had to be kept and with all the walls that stood between them now Anakin was scared to even talk to her nevermind touch or gaze upon her properly without her permission. Everything about her—about them—seemed so fragile that Anakin was certain it would all fall apart if one wrong move was made.

She slipped her left hand up to rest over his with the intention of removing it, but found her fingers dancing over the familiar cool metal. She squeezed his hand before taking it off her arm.

When her fingers slipped over the metal of his artificial, a tear escaped and made its way down his cheek. Bowing his head he felt her turn around and felt his heart race all the more for it. With his hand still in hers, but no longer on her arm, Anakin found himself grateful that it wasn't his own as he knew it would be shaking if it was. But the metal was not prone to such weakness and so in silence he shyly attempted to lightly pass his thumb over her soft palm while trying not to think of how much he missed the warmth of her skin against his own.

Dormé's gaze remained locked on their hands, her head bowed momentarily before crawling up his form. Meeting his blue eyes, she opened her mouth to speak, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

As her eyes moved up his form his own meet her amber gaze. He didn't dare speak and for a moment could only studied her in pained silence as he struggled to steady his breathing and to fight back his own unshed tears.

She noticed the single tear making its way down his cheek and reached up to wipe it away. Her hand remained against his cheek longer than it ought to.

Anakin gave a shaky sigh. Even now, her touch was like a soothing balm to his broken spirit, like an unspoken act of mercy given to one so undeserving of it. Closing his eyes once more, he forced his thoughts to clear, lest the despair completely overwhelm him.

She admitted in a soft voice, 'I'm tired, Anakin...' Dormé meant this in many ways, not only her physical exhaustion, but the days and weeks without seeing him, without knowing where they stood...not being able to sleep, wrought with worry and concern... 'I'm so tired...'

Bowing his head slightly, he remained silent for a moment as he couldn't help but wonder how it was that despite everything they had been through they were still so alike in so many ways. Clinging onto this as though in it held all the hope of the universe Anakin's eyes met hers once more as he gave a slight nod. 'I know...I feel it too.' he admitted softly.

'I...There is so much—' he faltered before shaking his head as Anakin knew that words meant more tears. But at the same time he didn't dare touch her thoughts to speak what weighed on his heart. Even so he felt the need to try again and opening his mouth to speak he struggled again only to fall silent. It wasn't as if she'd believe him anyways. If he was to prove to her that he was truly sorry, that he wasn't like everyone else who had failed her he'd have to do it through action.

Dormé didn't want to hear the words that Anakin struggled to and finally resisted speaking. She needed to see that he had changed, that he was doing everything in his power to make the necessary changes. Kenobi warned her about the dark side and its affect on non-sensitives, but she didn't know exactly what sort of affect it had on her. It was only after the illness and being away from her husband for the past few weeks that she learnt how blind she had been.

If anyone encouraged Anakin's use of the dark side, it had been her. She didn't admit it at first, but as the weeks wore on after recovering from the illness, she knew she was just as bad as he was. If she had been able to touch the darkness, she most likely would have done so regularly. 'It wasn't fair of me,' she admitted, 'to lay all of the blame on you... I'm a terrible influence on you.' She let her hand move from his cheek to the back of his neck, lingering there for a moment.

His eyes flickered marking his surprise to her words. There had been many moments when Anakin found himself struggling between his sorrow and bitterness for Dormé's judgment of him and his struggles. Though he had enough sense to know he was responsible for his own actions and behaviour it was hard not to be find anger in the fact that his wife felt she was entirely innocent of wrong doing. In the end he had come to accept that both were equally guilty of their own crimes and neither had the right to judge the other for them. However while Anakin knew that one day Dormé would understand this he never expected her to openly admit it, certainly not to him.

Anakin gingerly reached to touch her cheek with the back of his hand, just as her hand slipped to the back of his neck. 'Neither of us are innocent. But now that we're aware of it, we can finally tend to the problem and—' he briefly faltered not wanting to think about it but know it had to be said. '—move on in whatever way is best,' he hoarsely replied already believing Dormé would choose to depart from his side because of his crimes.

Move on? Dormé thought, her mind jumping back to the fact they lost three children. She hesitated, even at his touch. Her thoughts ran wild, wondering if he was going to give up...wondering if it was too much work and that he had no true intention of fixing his problem. Was it just that they were comfortable with each other and afraid to let go even if they needed to? It's true that she was afraid of letting go.

Anakin could feel her hesitance and immediately regretted his choice of words. Did she fear he would follow her if she decided to leave? Anakin couldn't blame her for that either especially given his display of behaviour from before. But he had no intention of giving up so easily and was determined to do whatever he could to ensure his family's happiness. Whether it be in his presence or his absence.

The tension was thick and the empress tried to gauge his words and tone of voice to figure out his intentions and desires. She would be able to resist her own desires if it was for the safety of their children. She didn't know if she could trust Anakin anymore and it broke her heart. She knew what she wanted more than anything, but she didn't know what was best. 'Can we work on this together?' she asked, her voice nearly cracking from emotion.

Anakin furrowed his brow as he quickly glanced away as he drew his hand away from her cheek. He knew if he let his fingers linger there for too long he would only pull her into an embrace. After a moment's pause the young emperor nodded to her statement as his eyes met hers. 'I would like that very much...But only if that is what you want,' he admitted in shy but sincere tones.

'It is,' Dormé murmured, taking her hand from his neck and resting it on his shoulder for a moment before dropping it. She squeezed his hand and released it.

A hint of a shy smile crept into his features though he said not a word as though fearing it would ruin the fragile moment. Her touch was soothing and as she released his hand—upon giving it a squeeze to which he returned—Anakin found himself missing it immensely. But despite the fact he believed their impromptu encounter was about to end he couldn't bring himself to part ways with her. Which proved to be a good thing as soon she was returning his silent gaze and asking of him the one question he never expected to hear.

She bowed her head momentarily before looking back at him. 'May I rest with you awhile?'

The request made caused him to feel almost giddy with hope as his heart soared. It was certainly unexpected but the thought of being able to rest by her side again was too much to refuse and quietly he nodded as he gave her another shy smile. 'Of course,' he said softly as he gingerly reached out to take her hand and guide her inside to the guest room feeling more content now than he had since he couldn't remember.

Even as things were, it was a relief to confirm, at least superficially, that they both still wanted the same thing: to repair their family. The children were safe on the other side of the palace and Dormé wanted to properly rest as she hadn't in such a long time.

Filled with hope for the future Anakin shyly guided his beloved back to his bedchambers where he clambered back into bed. It was awkward at first as the bed was far smaller than their own but he didn't mind too much as he was just too happy to have Dormé near to him once more. Though initially respectful and mindful of her need for space as Dormé leant against him for she had fallen asleep the old temptations returned.

While Anakin was well on his way to recovery he was selfish by nature and the nearness of her form reminded of all the other things he missed about her. As such it wasn't long before he found himself gently playing with her hair while his hand once entwined with hers slipped around her petite waist. Breathing in her soft scent of rain-soaked flowers Anakin sighed of contentment as he slowly leaned in to kiss her throat and cheek. How he had missed this and yet how unworthy he was to be able to experience it once was a mistake he would soon learn never to make again.

Had Dormé had been in a deeper sleep, she might have lost herself to his touch in her dreams, hardly believing that it was real. Dormé had, however, only just fallen asleep and was resurfacing to find herself in the small guest bed with emperor she had not yet learn to fully forgive. He had not healed completely yet and she had yet to see proof of his efforts. She did not know if she could trust him, despite how much she loved him. At the same time, she desperately missed him and wanted to be with him in spite of everything that happened. She wanted to give him another chance. Feeling his arms around her and playing with her hair, kissing her throat and cheek, it was like returning home, but at the same time, there were lingering doubts that made her question his motives.

'Please don't,' she murmured, unable to find the words to explain herself. She shifted to hold him closer while denying access to her neck. Dormé closed her eyes once more, trying to go back to sleep.

Anakin felt her shift in her sleep and was unable to resist drawing her closer before moving to kiss her lips for he had since lost himself in his selfish needs. But then Dormé murmured a simple statement that was like cold water being splashed on his face. Frozen in mid-action he faltered and suddenly became only too aware of their precarious situation and how completely inappropriate his actions were. Nodding weakly in reply the fallen Jedi swallowed hard as he bit his lip feeling every bit the beast he once was.

'...Right...' he murmured not bothering to apologize as it felt almost blasphemous to do so now. Until he found a way to prove himself to her Anakin knew that his words would be regarded as empty and weak. But despite her warning the empress didn't push him away as Anakin feared and was soon shifting to hold him closer though using her body to deny him access to her neck, a silent mark that she didn't trust him to respect her wish and need to space.

It wasn't long before the temptation returned leaving Anakin to once more play with her hair and later her back as his fingers danced along her skin. However, just as he was about to attempt to find a way to kiss her skin once more—this time her arm that was within reach and wrapped about him—the former Sith Lord caught himself. Frowning as a rush of shame flooded his thoughts, Anakin gave a shaky sigh as he silently shifted so as to disentangle himself from her arms but not to wake her up in the process. He didn't want to risk further ruining things between them but knew there was no way he'd make it through the night without disrespecting her simple request. With much reluctance, Anakin silently departed for the living room where he took refuge on the couch and proceeded to spend much of the night tossing and turning while forcing his thoughts clear of the temptation to return to bed.

Dormé's sleep proved to be far more restful than it had been in ages and once Anakin left off kissing her skin, she was able to sleep contently in his arms. She didn't notice him leave, but hours later when she awoke, she wondered where he had gone. She thought perhaps he rose early to train with Master Kenobi. With the intention to return to her own chambers, she padded through the bedroom to the main chambers to find her robe.

It was then she noticed him sprawled out on the couch, lying on his back with one leg over the top of the couch and the other on the floor, snoring lightly. She frowned, wrapping her arms around her torso. She hadn't intended to force him out of his own guest bed and wondered why he had left her. Was this a subtle sign that her actions of the night before had been inappropriate? Had he only said he wanted to mend things when in actuality he had no intentions of doing so? Did he not love her anymore and only wanted to try to be friends with her? Or was even that too much to hope for?

But he kissed her or tried to the night before. She rejected him. Was that the problem?

Without thinking things through, Dormé loosened the ties of her nightgown, letting it fall to the floor and stepped out of it. She snuck a hand under the throw blanket that covered Anakin while leaning over to kiss him on the lips.

Sleep finally came to Anakin who found himself in a rather complex position that looked perfectly awkward but was perfectly comfortable to him. Dreams were lonely and filled with thoughts of solitude and sorrow but soon they shifted to more pleasant things as Anakin felt Dormé's touch nevermind her kiss. At first he was too asleep to register this was real but it wasn't long before he was stirring awake to find a very naked Dormé with her hands where he wanted them and her lips on his own. Without a seconds pause the fallen Jedi swiftly pulled her onto the couch with him and proceeded to continue where he had left off from the night before. He had yet to realize what a great mistake this was or that this would only back fire against them both. For now all he knew was that things had returned to normal and that his wife had returned to him.

Consequences were the last things Dormé considered as she gave in to her desires and longings. She thought it would help mend things and make their situation clearer. She couldn't have been more wrong. Only part of her lust could be explained away with the dark side still prevalent in system, but this mistake would make its mark and she would regret her actions later once her head cleared. For now she was content exploring the body of her estranged husband and former friend, having missed him too much to deny any longer.

Anakin moaned to her exploration and was eagerly returning the favour as his training with his brother was all but forgotten in the heat of this moment. How he had dreamed of this for what felt like an eternity but it was real causing his thoughts to be filled with hope that only added to his passion.

Throughout the entire experience, there was a part of him that wondered if this was all but a dream, that he would wake up alone in his room with only her memory to keep him company. But coherency was quite lost on him and he was only too happy to make the most of this moment real or not. It would only be afterwards would the weight of their actions return to haunt him, though even then the truth would evade itself for he still had far to go before registering the damage of this action.

Once her lust was satisfied, Dormé felt as though the universe was crashing down around her. As much as she wanted things to be as they were, it once more became so clear that they weren't. It was painful to hold him, to kiss him, knowing what he had done, what they both had done. In fact, her first thought was that they hadn't used any preventative measures, something she would normally discount the importance of. What she used to long for with him was now something she feared.

Equally satisfied and in far better spirits, Anakin was quite content to hold her close and just enjoy this rare moment of peace. But Dormé's shift in mood spoke otherwise and left him entirely confused and concerned. Furrowing his brow he could only watch in dismay as Dormé promptly disentangled herself from him and collected her things.

Dormé didn't want to talk about what just happened...what she had done. 'I should go,' she said softly, drawing on her nightgown and robe, wrapping it tightly around her. She wouldn't be back tonight. She promised herself she wouldn't.

'Dormé?...Wait—' he said at her simple statement while moving to kick off the throw as panic once more gripped his heart. Her confusion and concern wasn't missed on him but he had yet to register the weight and meaning behind it. Everything seemed so perfect a short while ago and now...Now it felt as though they were even worse off than before.

'What did I do? What's wrong?' he asked desperately uncertain of his actions or how to mend the chasm that just had grown even wider between them.

'Nothing,' she lied, shaking her head. The last thing the young empress wanted to do was talk about it. It had been her mistake, after all, had it not? She would have to deal with the burden of the consequences on her own.

She forced herself to look him in the eye. 'You have training soon, don't you? I don't want you to get in trouble with Master Kenobi or anything...' Dormé didn't know where these lies were coming from, but it felt so much easier than anything remotely touching the truth. She couldn't handle admitting her guilt and regrets just yet.

Anakin furrowed his brow uncertain what to make of her words as there was obviously more to this than she was telling him. But at the same time he had no reason to doubt her as Dormé had never lied to him before and thus he took her word for it when she looked him in the eyes and continued. Nodding weakly in understanding, he silently rose to collect his bottoms but paused as he studied her for a moment. The chasm between them seemed even worse than before despite the fact her words spoke otherwise. Nevertheless Anakin respected her silence and didn't press the matter further though he decided that later on he would try to speak to her to ensure everything was alright.

Dormé searched his eyes as he nodded, as though she would find answers there. Unaware of what possessed her to do so, she neared once more, reaching up to touch his cheek as she continued studying him. She then leant in for a kiss before departing without looking back.

Her reaction would later serve to further confuse him but for now it convinced him that she was hiding something though Anakin presumed that it was a personal matter which added to his fears. He believed she had fallen ill and didn't want to tell him lest it distract him from his studies with his brother. While it was in Anakin's mind a noble gesture he wanted to be there for her even if from a distance and decided he would look into this further as well so as to help her in what small way he could. Leaning into her touch the former Sith Lord closed his eyes as he felt her lips brush against his before she departed.

In the hallway, hurrying back to her room, she tried to convince herself she did it because she missed her husband, that she missed the way things were and this was only an example of how it was no longer as it was and would never be so again. She showered and changed, but then decided to go to the med labs. In spite of everything that had happened, Dormé was growing up. She wasn't as selfish as she once was. She needed to be sure another child would not be involved in this chaos. She knew it wouldn't be fair to them.

Once alone he silently washed up and prepared to depart for another day of heavy training. But try as he might, the emperor's thoughts were elsewhere and as the day progressed this feeling grew worse. Anakin didn't detect any signs of illness in her Force signature but then he was no healer. Once the day had reached its end the young emperor was quick to wash up and depart for Dormé's quarters with the hope that he could find out what was truly wrong. He hoped that with no further pressing matters on their agenda they'd have time to talk.

On his way, an officer stopped him to politely ask how the empress was doing as he had heard she had checked into a medical lab earlier in the morning. 'What do you mean she was in the medlabs this morning? Why wasn't I informed of this sooner?' Anakin asked feeling his heart race in fear now.

The young officer politely apologized but informed him that he had only learnt of it a short while ago through a member of the medical staff and hoped she was well.

The emperor said nothing further and promptly bolted down the hallways towards Dormé's private chambers, fearing the worse and wanting to speak to her directly about it in person.

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A/N: Coming up-Anakin's in for a shock…